He succeeded his father Amara Malla and ruled from 1560 to 1574.

[1][2] During his reign, Mahendra Malla attempted to develop the economy and trade of his kingdom and thus distributed lands to the people and to different temples.

He also built the Taleju Temple situated in Kathmandu.

[1][2] He issued the first silver mohar coins during his reign and because of this, the coins were called mahendramallis for a long time.

He died in 1574 and was succeeded by his son Sadashiva Malla.